Overlooking the Zambezi River, the unfenced and in-the-wild Old Mondoro bush camp offers the chance to truly get away from it all and connect with nature. With walking, canoe and boat safaris, game drives and sunset cruises, at this luxury Zambia safari lodge, you’ll discover more wildlife than you can imagine.

The place

I feel a sense of peace descend over me as I gaze into the serene waters of the Zambezi River, and I think how wonderful it will be to canoe along it. Apart from the ripple of a passing croc, the trill of a bird and the snort of a nearby hippo, it’s completely silent. We’re at the Lower Zambezi National Park, on a beautiful site characterised by vast floodplains and open woodlands, overlooking a maze of hippo-dominated islands and channels. Unfenced, with just four chalets set beneath a grove of acacia trees in the midst of all this wilderness, Old Mondoro is the perfect getaway.

I feel a sense of peace descend over me as I gaze into the serene waters of the Zambezi River, and I think how wonderful it will be to canoe along it. Apart from the ripple of a passing croc, the trill of a bird and the snort of a nearby hippo, it’s completely silent.

We’re at the Lower Zambezi National Park, on a beautiful site characterised by vast floodplains and open woodlands, overlooking a maze of hippo-dominated islands and channels. Unfenced, with just four chalets set beneath a grove of acacia trees in the midst of all this wilderness, Old Mondoro is the perfect getaway.

The room

I wake up to my partner whispering urgently in my ear. We’d left the canvas section of the low-reed wall open, so I can instantly see why I’m being urged awake. An elephant has popped its head in to drink some of the bathwater in the huge stone bathtub, which is open to the Zambezi River. It’s so close that I could reach out and touch it, but we’re seasoned safari-goers and know not to disturb wild animals. Instead, we slowly sit up in our plush bed, feeling ever so grateful to watch this nature show live on our porch! Too soon, the friendly tusker lumbers away, and my partner and I grin at each other, thoroughly delighted with our first sighting of the day. We’d been so engrossed, we didn’t even take a photo! The luxury of our suite seems more pronounced after our indoor safari experience, and we marvel at the comforts of electric lighting in the bush (although we prefer to use the romantic lanterns at night), a seating area and polished stone floors, as well as the soaring canvas roof that gives our room a sweeping sense of space. I stretch gloriously before padding across to the outside bathroom to freshen up while my partner takes happy seconds on the outdoor bathing experience! Later, I’ll go on a walking safari while my partner tries to catch a tiger (fish).

I wake up to my partner whispering urgently in my ear. We’d left the canvas section of the low-reed wall open, so I can instantly see why I’m being urged awake. An elephant has popped its head in to drink some of the bathwater in the huge stone bathtub, which is open to the Zambezi River. It’s so close that I could reach out and touch it, but we’re seasoned safari-goers and know not to disturb wild animals.

Instead, we slowly sit up in our plush bed, feeling ever so grateful to watch this nature show live on our porch! Too soon, the friendly tusker lumbers away, and my partner and I grin at each other, thoroughly delighted with our first sighting of the day. We’d been so engrossed, we didn’t even take a photo!

The luxury of our suite seems more pronounced after our indoor safari experience, and we marvel at the comforts of electric lighting in the bush (although we prefer to use the romantic lanterns at night), a seating area and polished stone floors, as well as the soaring canvas roof that gives our room a sweeping sense of space. I stretch gloriously before padding across to the outside bathroom to freshen up while my partner takes happy seconds on the outdoor bathing experience! Later, I’ll go on a walking safari while my partner tries to catch a tiger (fish).

What sets it apart

Authentic, intimate and off-the-grid, Old Mondoro really encouraged us to get in touch with nature, or should I say, here, nature really got in touch with us! Apart from views in all directions – the Zambezi River and its wildlife-profuse islands to the south and the beautiful woodlands with waterbuck and impala to the north – towering tree-dwarfing resident elephant are regular visitors at camp, resident honey badger result in hilarious encounters and leopard are frequent sightings. Old Mondoro takes pride in providing an experience that focuses on the bush and its wildlife, and with excellent guides and walking safaris, it delivers. This comes without stinting on comfort or extravagantly delicious dining, served fireside or in the open-sided dining room, where the sky drips with stars and the howl of a jackal accompanies the hoot of a passing owl. This is paired with an abiding commitment to protect the wildlife and habitat of the Lower Zambezi National Park and the surrounding Chiawa Game Management Area. Old Mondoro also empowers local communities; subsidising training for safari guides and hospitality staff, running health camps and educational programmes and teaching sustainable farming practices.

Authentic, intimate and off-the-grid, Old Mondoro really encouraged us to get in touch with nature, or should I say, here, nature really got in touch with us!

Apart from views in all directions – the Zambezi River and its wildlife-profuse islands to the south and the beautiful woodlands with waterbuck and impala to the north – towering tree-dwarfing resident elephant are regular visitors at camp, resident honey badger result in hilarious encounters and leopard are frequent sightings.

Old Mondoro takes pride in providing an experience that focuses on the bush and its wildlife, and with excellent guides and walking safaris, it delivers. This comes without stinting on comfort or extravagantly delicious dining, served fireside or in the open-sided dining room, where the sky drips with stars and the howl of a jackal accompanies the hoot of a passing owl.

This is paired with an abiding commitment to protect the wildlife and habitat of the Lower Zambezi National Park and the surrounding Chiawa Game Management Area. Old Mondoro also empowers local communities; subsidising training for safari guides and hospitality staff, running health camps and educational programmes and teaching sustainable farming practices.

At a glance

Intimate safari camp with four spacious chalets in the Lower Zambezi National Park, with private decks offering unparalleled views over the Zambezi River.

Children aged 12 and above are welcome, with one extra bed in a chalet provided for children under 16 years sharing with parents. Children of all ages accepted for exclusive bookings, but only children aged 12 and above are permitted on canoe and walking safaris.

Intimate safari camp with four spacious chalets in the Lower Zambezi National Park, with private decks offering unparalleled views over the Zambezi River.

Children aged 12 and above are welcome, with one extra bed in a chalet provided for children under 16 years sharing with parents. Children of all ages accepted for exclusive bookings, but only children aged 12 and above are permitted on canoe and walking safaris.

Prices

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.

It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.

Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.

However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out moreclick here.

Not only do African safari lodge prices shift with the seasons, they also change based on your length of stay, room type, travel party composition, special offers, if your trip involves stays at sister lodges – and for more reasons besides.

It’s worth noting that depending on your itinerary, your lodge cost will make up about 75–85% of your total safari trip cost.

Our safaris are tailor-made to match your personal safari dream, we’d be delighted if you’d allow us to create a bespoke proposal for you. Simply enquire now – our quotes are complimentary and obligation-free.

However, to help you get an idea of safari lodge prices we’ve created three safari-lodge categories with various price ranges, to find out moreclick here.

When to Go

Unlike some parks in Zambia, the Lower Zambezi National Park is accessible year-round. That said, the Southern African winter, or dry season, is the optimum time to visit for the best game-viewing and most agreeable climate (very little rainfall, and moderate temperatures). As water levels drop and vegetation recedes, wildlife (especially buffalo) congregates along the river. A particular highlight in August is seeing flame creepers in flower, while the tiger fishing improves as the dry season progresses. Less spray and mist means it’s also a wonderful time to visit the Victoria Falls.

The Lower Zambezi is arguably at its most beautiful in November, at the start of the summer green season. As water levels rise throughout the area, game tends to disperse and some peripheral safari roads may be closed. Rising temperatures could be a factor in your travel choices, but balanced against this is the chance to see new-born animals (and consequently, a higher likelihood of predator action). The birdlife – always excellent – becomes spectacular as migrant species fly in. Visiting Victoria Falls in this season ensures an intense experience.

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What to see and do from Old Mondoro

Catching Tigers In Zambia

During your Zambia safari, set off in a boat from your camp in Lower Zambezi National Park for an afternoon of catch-and-release fishing. Tiger fishing in Zambia offers a thrilling experience on a pristine stretch of river where you’ll be surrounded by hippo, crocodile and incredible birdlife. The highlight of…

Paddling The Zambezi On A Canoe Safari

Follow Livingstone’s epic journey on a canoe safari along the Zambezi in a tranquil bird- and game-watching opportunity like no other. Skirting half-submerged hippo and lurking crocodile, majestic elephant and thirsty impala as you drift placidly along its course, you’re bound to experience the wild of Africa like never before.…

Leaving Footprints In The Lower Zambezi

By the time it reaches the Lower Zambezi in Zambia, the river has spent much of its energy and it becomes a broad, meandering ribbon of water. Its slower pace sets the mood for a Zambezi river walking safari, which allows you to relax the tempo of your Zambezi safari…

Luxury Safari Ideas including Old Mondoro

Zambia | Busanga Plains & Zambezi | 7 Nights

Its pristine wild places and abundant wildlife make Zambia a hidden gem – relatively untouched and undiscovered. A luxury Zambian safari lets you in on its secrets, with canoe safaris along the Zambezi, catch-and-release tiger fishing, walking safaris and game drives that leave you awestruck and wanting more.

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